Murabbi Alhaj Nazir Bhai Jessa, a Freeman of the City of London and a veteran of the Khoja community in the UK has been honoured as a Liveryman of one of the ancient guilds of the City of London in December 2024.
About Murabbi Nazir Bhai Jessa
Alhaj Nazir Bhai Jessa was born in Dar es Salaam in 1941 into a family with a successful business in Tanzania. In 1964, he moved to London to pursue further education, qualifying as an optician and audiologist. In 1972, he founded Watford Electronics, a pioneering enterprise that played a significant role in shaping the UK’s early electronics business landscape.
Nazir Bhai is a dedicated community leader and was instrumental in establishing the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Community of London in 1971. He also served on the steering committee to draft the constitution of The World Federation in the 1970s. His entrepreneurial expertise and wise counsel continue to benefit the Khoja community and many others in the UK and beyond.
Beyond the community, Nazir Bhai has earned national recognition for his business and social contributions. He is the founding chair of the Hertfordshire Ethnic Minority Business Network and one of the founding directors of Bedfordshire Business Link. His initiatives, such as launching Bedfordshire “UK Online for Business”, have had a lasting impact.
Among his many accolades, his invitation to Buckingham Palace in 2003 to celebrate Watford Electronics’ achievements in e-Business stands out. Nazir Bhai has also been honoured with awards, including the Racial Harmony Empowerment Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and an Honorary MBA from the University of Bedfordshire. He has served as High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, reflecting his remarkable legacy of leadership and service.
What is the Position of a Liveryman
The City of London’s livery companies date back to medieval guilds that regulated trade and training in specific crafts. Today, they focus on charitable activities, education, and fostering professional fellowship.
The position of Liveryman allows Nazir Bhai to stand for election to the post of Lord Mayor of London in the future, should he so choose. Commenting on this unique honour, Nazir Bhai commented, “At the ripe old age of 80+, ‘I had hung up my boots’; however, as I was invited to this prestigious post of a Liveryman, I just could not turn it down.”
Nazir Bhai has long been recognised for his dedication, service, and contributions to society, particularly as a respected elder and leader in the Khoja community. His journey from Freeman to Liveryman reflects his unwavering commitment to service, not just within the community but also to the broader society.
The Khoja News Team extend our heartfelt congratulations to Murabbi Nazir Bhai Jessa and to our community members in the UK, on this well-deserved recognition. We pray to Allah (swt) for his continued success in this honorary role and beyond, Ameen.
References:
- Community Conversation – in Conversation with Alhaj Nazir Jessa
- Nazir Jessa – KhojaPedia
- Nazir Jessa – Khoja Business Forum
- What does Liveryman mean?
